What does "RC" stand for in a train ticket?
In the context of a train ticket, "RC" stands for Reservation Against Cancellation. It is a ticket status in the Indian Railway system. When your ticket shows RC status, it means that you have a waiting list ticket, and your travel in the respective coach is confirmed by having a Reservation Against Cancellation ticket.
Here is some important information about RC status in train tickets:
Meaning of RAC status: RAC status indicates that you have a reserved sitting accommodation initially. However, it does not guarantee a full seat or sleeping berth. The Indian Railway often splits a RAC seat for two passengers, so you might have to share a berth with another RAC ticket holder if you do not get a confirmed seat.
Confirmation of RAC ticket: If someone from the confirmed passengers cancels their seat, you will be the first to get a confirmed seat. Your ticket status will be changed from RAC to confirmed, and you will be allocated a full sleeper berth in that coach.
RAC vs. waitlisted ticket: A RAC ticket is generally considered better than a waitlisted ticket. With a RAC ticket, you are guaranteed at least a shared seat, and if any confirmed passenger cancels their ticket, RAC status will be the first to be confirmed. On the other hand, a waitlisted ticket only grants you entry into the respective coach without a seat.
Confirmation of RAC ticket: Your RAC ticket can be converted into a confirmed ticket if someone cancels their ticket. The status of your RAC ticket is updated after chart preparation, which usually happens on the same day of train departure. If your RAC ticket is confirmed, the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TT) will guide you.
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